Table ventilation device

ABSTRACT

A table ventilation device includes a filter module, an extension means, and a drive unit for motorized retraction and extension of the extension means. The drive unit is designed to move the filter module from a filter module operating position into a filter module removal position.

The invention relates to a table ventilation device which comprises avapor extraction opening, a vapor deflection device, a fan, a filtermodule, an extension means and a drive unit for the motorized retractionand extension of the extension means.

In recent years, there has been a continuing trend for functionalkitchen appliances which are subject to as few design constraints aspossible and which nevertheless provide enhanced functionality anduser-friendliness. Thus the development of extractor hoods into tableventilation devices has been particularly well received, since aconsiderable simplification of the design has been achieved thereby.

The target function underlying each table ventilation device is toextract vapor from the cooking region above a hob, to filter the vaporand to discharge the cleaned air into the environment. In a tableventilation device the air is extracted downwardly via a vaporextraction opening which may be provided, for example, in a recess of aworktop. Table ventilation devices generally have filters, in particulargrease filters, which have to be replaced at specific maintenanceintervals. In this case, grease filters are generally the first filterstage on or in the vapor extraction opening. Odor filters may bearranged as the last filter stage upstream of an air outlet of the tableventilation device. Odor filters are used, in particular, when the tableventilation device provides a circulating air mode in which the cleanedair is not discharged to the outside but inside the room in which thetable ventilation device is operated.

However, this is associated with several drawbacks. Firstly, there isthe problem of arranging the filters such that they are able to bereached with the least possible effort. The positioning of the tableventilation device below the worktop, which is in any casedisadvantageous, is exacerbated, in particular, in the case of odorfilters which are arranged at the air outlet and, in particular,downstream of a fan of the table ventilation device. Secondly, theaccess to filters is also impeded by the position of the tableventilation device behind the hob. Additionally, the filters arelocated, for example, approximately 10 cm to 20 cm below the applianceupper edge, i.e. the vapor extraction opening. These filters are onlyaccessible from above through the narrow vapor extraction opening, whichis generally only approximately 50 mm to 100 mm wide.

Thus it is an object of the present invention to provide an improvedconstruction of a table ventilation device, which ensures improvedhandling for the end user.

The object is achieved by a table ventilation device as claimed in claim1. Advantageous developments are described in the dependent claims.

The table ventilation device according to the invention comprises avapor extraction opening, a vapor deflection device, a fan, a filtermodule, an extension means and a drive unit for the motorized retractionand extension of the extension means. The table ventilation deviceaccording to the invention is characterized relative to the tableventilation devices known from the prior art in that the filter modulecan be moved by means of the drive unit from a filter module operatingposition into a filter module removal position. As a result, aconvenient and cost-effective removal of the filter module and, inparticular, the filter of the filter module from the table ventilationdevice is ensured.

The vapor extraction opening, which is also denoted hereinafter as theextraction opening, forms the upper end of the table ventilation device.Preferably, the extraction opening is formed by the upper edge of ahousing. The fan is arranged in the table ventilation device below thevapor extraction opening. The vapor deflection device is a device viawhich vapor is conducted to the vapor extraction opening. The vapordeflection device thus preferably protrudes upwardly at leasttemporarily beyond the vapor extraction opening.

Since known table ventilation devices are generally located behind thehob, manual intervention in the appliance is impeded or impossible toachieve without additional handling aids. In particular, the filtermodule and thus the at least one filter may be integrated in theoperating area of the extension means, which also may be used for movingthe vapor deflection device. As a result, the filters of the filtermodule may be lifted or extended, and also lowered or retracted again,beyond the vapor extraction opening or the appliance upper face for theremoval thereof.

The term “table ventilation device” is to be generally understood tomean extractor devices, as are used for extracting cooking fumes, steamor steam loaded with grease which are produced above a hob. The fumescited by way of example are also denoted as “vapor”. In particular, suchtable ventilation devices are also denoted as “downdraft” devices, i.e.as an extractor device in which the vapor is extracted downwardly.“Downwardly” in this case means below the hob surface.

Advantageously, the table ventilation device is a table ventilationdevice which may be operated at least temporarily in a circulating airmode. This has the advantage that the installation does not require anyfurther measures in the surrounding building structure since, inparticular, exhaust air ducts, exhaust air grilles, insulation to theexternal environment and the like are dispensed with. As a development,it may be advantageous if the table ventilation device is only suitablefor a circulating air mode.

According to the present invention, the filter module may comprise atleast one filter which may have additional fastening components,reinforcing devices or mounting connections. For example, the filtermodule may be a filter cassette. If a plurality of filter cassettes arerequired, all of the individual cassettes may be denoted together as thefilter module. In this case, the term filter module encompasses all thathas to be replaced relative to the filters during the maintenance of thetable ventilation device. Alternatively or additionally, the filtermodule may also have means for collecting fluids and/or solids, namelyoil pans, drip trays, grilles and the like. At least one filter of thefilter module is preferably a grease filter. In this case, both anactive filter and a passive filter may be used as the grease filter. Inparticular, the grease filter may be, for example, an expanded metalfilter or an electrostatic filter. As a result, the particle separationfrom the vapor may be increased if required.

A “fan” within the meaning of the invention is to be understood to meana device which is suitable for generating a pressure difference whichproduces a flow of vapor via the vapor extraction opening into the tableventilation device and through the filter module. The fan is preferablya radial fan.

The drive unit may be an electrical device or a device to be operatedmanually, which is suitable for adjusting the extension means. Theextension means may comprise, for example, a linkage, a spindle nut or afurther device which, in particular, may be moved upwardly or downwardlyby the output of the drive unit. The filter module may be moved at leasttemporarily upwardly or downwardly by this movement. Alternatively oradditionally, the extension means may have hydraulic and/or electricalcomponents. The invention is described hereinafter substantially withreference to one extension means. However, according to the inventionthe table ventilation device may also have a plurality of extensionmeans.

The filter module operating position is a position in which the filtermodule is located fully or partially inside the table ventilationdevice. The filter module operating position is also denoted hereinafteras the filter operating position. The filter module removal position,which is also denoted as the filter removal position, is a position inwhich the filter module is located fully or partially outside the tableventilation device or inside the table ventilation device adjacent tothe vapor extraction opening. It is important that the filter removalposition is a position suitable for changing a filter module or thefilter module. Advantageously, the filter module may be located in thefilter removal position above or virtually flush with a work surfaceupper face of a kitchen cabinet and thus the vapor extraction opening.

The filter operating position and/or the filter removal position mayalso encompass more than one position. Thus the term “position” may alsobe understood to mean the “position range”.

The filter module preferably has at least one filter which is a greasefilter. According to one embodiment, the filter module additionally hasat least one filter which is an odor filter. In this embodiment theapproach according to the invention is based on the recognition that incontrast to established approaches, according to which odor filters arelocated deep in the appliance interior below the grease filter unit and,in particular, in the direction of flow downstream of the fan of thetable ventilation device, the odor filter may be positioned in thevicinity of the vapor extraction opening. The inventors have alsorecognized that the odor filter may be specifically provided as areplaceable filter of a filter module, the position thereof being ableto be changed via the drive unit, and which thus may be convenientlyremoved from the ventilation device.

The term “odor filter” includes filters which are suitable for filteringodor molecules out of the vapor or for removing odors in a differentmanner. The odor filter may also be either a passive or an activefilter. For example, the odor filter may be an (active) carbon filter, azeolite filter or a filter with a plasma source. In other words, “odorfilter” is to be understood to mean a filter which a person skilled inthe art generally considers as suitable for reducing the odor of thevapor when flowing through the odor filter.

Preferably, in the filter removal position the filter module may beremoved from an upwardly facing vapor extraction opening, whereby thefilter module may be reached for replacement in a particularly simpleand ergonomic manner.

In this case, it is particularly advantageous if the filter module isreleasably arranged as a whole and/or in parts on a filter moduleholder. During the maintenance of the table ventilation device, theinstallation and dismantling of the filter module may be considerablysimplified by means of the filter module holder. Additionally, thecomplexity of the filter module itself may be reduced if the componentsfor coupling the filter module to the extension means are arranged onthe filter module holder. As a result, by means of the filter moduleholder, conventional filter modules may also be used for the tableventilation device according to the invention.

According to one embodiment, the vapor deflection device is movable bymeans of the at least one extension means from a resting position intoan operating position. In this case, the vapor deflection device maypreferably comprise a vapor guide plate holder and a vapor guide plate.The vapor guide plate may be arranged on the vapor guide plate holder.In particular, the vapor guide plate may be positioned on the vaporguide plate holder or inserted therein from above. Preferably, the vaporguide plate may be a glass plate. The operating position of the vapordeflection device is a position in which the vapor deflection deviceand, in particular, the vapor guide plate are located fully or partiallyoutside the table ventilation device. The resting position of the vapordeflection device is a position in which the vapor deflection deviceand, in particular, the vapor guide plate are located fully or partiallyinside the table ventilation device. A “vapor deflection device” is tobe understood to mean a device which promotes a conduction of cookingfumes to the vapor extraction opening. Additionally, the vapordeflection device may serve as a splash guard. It is advantageous herethat the components of the table ventilation device do not protrudebeyond the vapor extraction opening when the table ventilation device isnot in operation. Thus the kitchen cabinet receiving the tableventilation device may be designed to be particularly unobtrusive. Theprovision of a glass plate has the advantage that the vapor guide plateis also unobtrusive during operation. Glass also has the advantage thatit is chemically inert and no consequential damage is caused by greasedeposits via the vapor flowing past.

According to one embodiment, the movement of the filter module iscarried out directly via the at least one extension means. In thisembodiment, it is also possible to refer to a direct coupling of theextension means to the filter module. In this embodiment, the extensionmeans directly acts on the filter module, for example on a filter moduleholder. Since the extension means may be retracted and extended, i.e.lifted and lowered, by a drive of the drive unit, for example a motor,the filter module may also be lifted and lowered when the filter moduleis directly coupled to the extension means.

According to a further embodiment, the movement of the filter module iscarried out indirectly via an intermediate element. The intermediateelement, in particular, is a movable element of the table ventilationdevice which may be retracted and extended by the at least one extensionmeans. Preferably, this intermediate element is the vapor deflectiondevice. In this embodiment, the extension means, which may be moved viathe drive, is not in direct contact with the filter module. Instead, theextension means is coupled indirectly to the filter module via the vapordeflection device. For this indirect coupling the filter module istemporarily connected to the vapor deflection device.

According to a preferred embodiment, the filter module is moved at leasttemporarily and the vapor deflection device is moved at leasttemporarily via the at least one extension means. By the same extensionmeans being used for moving the filter module and the vapor deflectiondevice, the construction of the table ventilation device is simplified.In particular, a single drive may be used, for example a single motor inthe table ventilation device, in order to move either the filter moduleor the vapor deflection device. If the extension means via which thefilter module is moved is also the same extension means via which thevapor deflection device is also moved, the construction of the tableventilation device is further simplified.

According to one embodiment, both the filter module and the vapordeflection device are moved at least temporarily at the same time viathe at least one extension means.

According to one embodiment, the drive unit has a first mode in whichthe filter module is decoupled from the extension means and a secondmode in which the filter module is coupled to the extension means. Thusall operating states of the drive unit, which provide no movement of thefilter module, are encompassed by the first mode. All operating stateswhich provide a movement of the filter module are encompassed by thesecond mode. For example, the second mode may be a maintenance mode inwhich the filter module is replaced. Similarly, the second mode may alsobe an operating state in which the filter module position is optimized.It is advantageous here that the drive unit and/or the extension meansdo not have to be duplicated but, for example, may be used both for themovement of the filter module and for the movement of the vapordeflection device. This may reduce the complexity and thus the costs,the susceptibility to error and the weight of the entire system.“Coupled” is understood to mean that a dependency is provided betweenthe movement of the filter module and the movement of the extensionmeans. The coupling may be formed, for example, by a stop. In generalterms, the coupling may be produced by a frictional connection, anon-positive connection or a positive connection, or combinationsthereof. In this case, the actual coupling never has to take place onthe filter module itself but may take place, in particular, on thefilter module holder or on another component. It is important that adifferent relative movement is present between the filter module andextension means between the first and second mode.

According to one embodiment, the filter module is temporarily connectedto the vapor deflection device via a switchable driver element. Inparticular, this connection may be present between the filter module andthe vapor deflection device in the second mode of the drive unit. Sincethe driver element is switchable, the connected state of the filtermodule and the vapor deflection device may be produced in the transitionbetween the first mode and the second mode and cancelled again in thetransition from the second mode into the first mode. The connectionbetween the filter module and the vapor deflection device represents arigid connection, whereby the filter module is moved by the same amountwhen the vapor deflection device is moved.

According to a further embodiment, the connection of the filter moduleto the vapor deflection device is made when reaching a connectingposition of the vapor deflection device or is at least prepared whenreaching this position. A previously defined switching logic, whichcreates or releases the connection between the filter module and thevapor deflection device depending on the position of the vapordeflection device, may be implemented by means of such a connectingposition. This may take place for example mechanically, electricallyand/or with the assistance of sensors. It is important that there is anassociation between the vapor deflection device “reaching the connectingposition” and the “connection of the filter module and the vapordeflection device”. The term “prepared” takes into account that theconnection does not necessarily have to take place at the same timeand/or location when the vapor deflection device reaches the connectingposition. Instead, in this case a logical, control-technical ormechanical measure may also be made, said measure being implemented witha further movement of the extension means for a predictable connectionor a predictable release of the connection. The state in which thefilter module is connected to the vapor deflection device is the statein which the filter module is indirectly coupled to the extension means.

According to a further embodiment, the connecting position correspondsto an end position of the vapor deflection device. This has theadvantage that an inadvertent connection is avoided. Not least,technical arrangements for the connection may be more easily integratedin the table ventilation device, since in the end position more space isavailable for built-in components. The end position of the vapordeflection device, which may also be denoted as the maximum position, isto be understood to mean a position in which the vapor deflection deviceis extended upwardly beyond a normal operating position.

Alternatively, it may be advantageous if the connection is produced orprepared by a movement sequence of two components which are movablerelative to one another, in particular the filter unit and anintermediate element, in particular the vapor deflection device. Forexample, it may be advantageous if the vapor deflection device isstopped when it is lowered, and raised again, and a coupling is createdthereby via a passive latching element. This has the advantage that theeffective stroke height of the filter module is freely selectable,depending on where the directional change of the vapor deflection devicetakes place.

According to one embodiment, the driver element, via which the filtermodule is connected to the vapor deflection device and via which theindirect coupling of the extension means to the filter module isgenerated, may be arranged on the filter module. Via the connectiongenerated by the driver element, when the vapor deflection device ismoved the filter module is entrained thereby. The driver element is aswitchable driver element and may also be denoted as a connectabledriver element. The driver element may be any device which provides acorresponding stop, in particular a pawl, a cam, a bolt, a hook or thelike. The driver element in this case may be arranged on the filtermodule, on the filter module holder. As a result, a simple mechanicalindirect coupling or decoupling of the filter module to the extensionmeans may be carried out. Thus a conventional extension means may beused as the extension means, since no other extension means arerequired. The entrainment requires that the force of the extension unitand the dimensioning of the extension means is sufficient to be able tomove both the vapor deflection device and the filter module.

Advantageously, the table ventilation device has a single drive unit forthe motorized retraction and extension of a plurality of components, inparticular of the vapor deflection device and of the filter module. As aresult, a cost-effective drive which is more economical in terms ofinstallation space may be achieved, since instead of using a pluralityof individual drives, a single drive unit with means for mechanicalretraction or decoupling is sufficient. As result, the filter module(odor filter, grease filter, oil collection container, liquid collectioncontainer) may be lifted without additional drive units or extensionmeans. The filter module and, in particular, the filters may thus bemoved by motor into an ergonomically favorable removal position forcleaning purposes. In addition to the drive which is saved, the effortfor the electronic activation is also minimized.

It is advantageous if the filter module is positioned in the filtermodule operating position inside the table ventilation device on asealing surface, wherein preferably the seal is achieved by the inherentweight of the filter module on the sealing surface. As a result, it ispossible to ensure that no vapor is suctioned past the filter module.

Alternatively or additionally, it may be advantageous if the filtermodule is fitted in a filter slot. A sealing surface may be configuredon the active surface pair of the filter module-filter slot. As aresult, it may be ensured that bypass flows of vapor are avoided.Preferably, in this case the active surface pair is configured such thata relative movement between the filter module and filter slot ispossible.

According to one embodiment, a latching mechanism is arranged on thefilter module for connecting the vapor deflection device to the filtermodule. A “latching mechanism” is to be understood to mean any devicewhich permits a mechanical connection via at least the driver element.Thus the latching mechanism may be configured such that the driverelement is arranged so as to be switchable on the filter module, on thefilter module holder or a further component connected to the filtermodule. A modular unit, which may be arranged specifically for theconnection to the vapor deflection device on the filter module, may beprovided by the latching mechanism. This may simplify the production andthe assembly of the table ventilation device.

The latching mechanism may comprise the driver element, a switchingplate, a carrier plate as well as an upper switching lever and a lowerswitching lever. In this case, the carrier plate may be arranged rigidlyon the filter module or a component connected to the filter module andthe switching plate may be arranged so as to be movable relative to thecarrier plate. Preferably, in this case the switching plate may bedisplaced via the upper and lower switching lever relative to thecarrier plate into a first and second position. Preferably, the latchingmechanism forms a trapezoidal arrangement which provides two differentpositions. Preferably, in this case the upper switching lever and thelower switching lever are arranged on the switching plate such that whenthe upper switching lever is turned by means of the vapor deflectiondevice this activates the driver element and when the lower switchinglever is turned by means of the vapor deflection device this deactivatesthe driver element.

In this case, the latching mechanism is configured such that when thevapor deflection device passes the upper switching lever, said upperswitching lever is turned thereby and a displacement of the switchingplate relative to the carrier plate takes place. Preferably, as a resultthe driver element is switched into an activated position. The turningmay be provided, for example, when the vapor deflection device is movedinto an end position or a different predefined position. If the driverelement has been activated, it may serve as a stop for connecting thefilter module to the vapor deflection device and thus for coupling thefilter module to the extension means. In this case, the connection maybe achieved by the vapor deflection device moving downwardly, passingthe activated driver element and only coming into engagement therewithwhen lifted again. For example, to this end the driver element may bepivotably pretensioned so that the vapor deflection device is able topass this driver element when it is activated.

Alternatively or additionally, it may be advantageous that when thelower switching lever is turned by means of the vapor deflection devicethis deactivates the driver element. The principle is similar to theturning of the upper switching lever, only in reverse. When turned, thedriver element is switched into the deactivated position via adisplacement of the switching plate relative to the carrier plate. Ifthe vapor deflection device moves upwardly again after the lowerswitching lever has been turned, the driver element no longer forms astop and there is no connection of the filter module to the vapordeflection device. This permits a particularly simple, safe anduser-friendly connection of the filter module to the vapor deflectiondevice and thus an indirect coupling and decoupling of the filter moduleto the extension means. According to one embodiment of the invention,the user who wishes to replace the filter module, or the filter of thefilter module, only has to move the vapor deflection device into anupper end position, and then lower the vapor deflection device, and whenlifted again, the filter module is entrained. It is particularlyadvantageous if this process is stored in a system control logic andruns automatically.

Directional information such as upwardly or downwardly, unless indicatedotherwise, refers to a table ventilation device in the installed state.

It is particularly advantageous if the drive unit has a drive spindle onwhich the extension means is movably fastened. In particular, theextension means may be displaced upwardly or downwardly, i.e. moved, byrotating the extension means on the drive spindle. According to apreferred embodiment, the drive spindle has a length which correspondsto the stroke which is required in order to move the vapor deflectiondevice from the resting position into the operating position.Advantageously, the length is slightly greater than this stroke and isequal to the stroke which is required in order to move the vapordeflection device beyond the operating position upwardly into the endposition. Since the movement path of the extension means is defined bythe overall height of the entire appliance (height of the base cabinet)this overall height is frequently already fully utilized by the mainmovement, the extension of the vapor deflection device. In the tableventilation device according to the invention, however, by the couplingand decoupling of the filter module to the extension means, the strokeavailable along the length of the spindle may be used firstly forextending the vapor deflection device and secondly for extending thefilter module. Thus the use of a longer spindle, which corresponds tothe sum of the strokes of these two movements, is not required.Additionally, with such an embodiment of the drive spindle, it may beensured that the extension means may be a conventional extension meansper se, which does not have to be modified or only slightly modified.Costs and weight may also be saved if the drive spindle is as short aspossible. One or more drive spindles which are the same or different maybe present. The term drive spindles also encompasses similar-actingcomponents, in particular hydraulic cylinders.

According to one embodiment, the drive unit has a transmitting elementwhich is movably mounted, the coupling for the second mode taking placeafter the transmitting element has been moved out of the movement pathof the extension means. The transmitting element transmits, inparticular, in one position the movement of an extension means to thevapor deflection device. In a further position, the transmitting elementserves as a blocking device for the vapor deflection device. Thetransmitting element may thus also be denoted as a changeover switch. Inthe position in which it serves as a blocking device, the transmittingelement releases the extension means for moving the filter module. Thuswith the pivoting of the transmitting element, the transition takesplace between the first mode of the drive unit in which the extensionmeans is decoupled from the filter module, into the second mode in whichthe extension means is coupled to the filter module. The changeoverbetween these modes is able to be operated in a user-friendly, simpleand safe manner, due to its design. The term “transmitting element”and/or “changeover switch” is to be understood to mean in the broadestsense a body which may form a stop for the vapor deflection device. Thestop has to be present in this case at least in the case of theblocking.

Advantageously, the transmitting element is mounted in a guide such thatsaid transmitting element pivots out when an interruption of the guideis reached and at the same time forms the stop for the vapor deflectiondevice and releases a path for the extension means in the guide. A“transmitting element” is understood to mean a body via which a forcetransmitting element from the extension means to the vapor deflectiondevice is permitted. Preferably, the transmitting element is pivotablymounted and thus arranged in a guide such that in a position in whichthe guide is interrupted the changeover switch pivots outwardly. Thelatter may be the case, for example, when the vapor deflection device isin a previously defined position. Preferably, the transmitting elementmay be moved in the guide by the extension means and, with a continuingoperation of the extension means after pivoting the transmitting elementoutwardly, the extension means may move past the transmitting elementand come into contact with the filter module. The filter module may thenbe extended upwardly by the extension means. The extension means, forexample, may be a drive spindle nut. In the state in which the extensionmeans in the guide moves past the transmitting element, the extensionmeans prevents the transmitting element from pivoting back into theguide.

Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the tableventilation device also has an extraction opening cover which is closedin a switched-off state of the table ventilation device, wherein anextension of the extension means, i.e. a movement of the extension meansupwardly, causes the extraction opening cover to be moved into an openposition. The closing of the extraction opening in the switched-offstate of the table ventilation device has the advantage that firstly thefilter is protected from moisture, dust and dirt from the environment.Secondly, the kitchen cabinet receiving the table ventilation device maythus be designed particularly unobtrusively. The construction of thetable ventilation device is further simplified by the extraction openingcover being moved by the extension means.

According to one embodiment, the extraction opening cover ispretensioned. The pretensioning may be selected here such that thepretensioning promotes a closed position of the extraction openingcover. Alternatively, the pretensioning may be selected such that itpromotes an open position of the extraction opening cover. It isimportant that the extraction opening cover is open when the extensionmeans is extended. The pretensioning has the advantage that the movementof the extraction opening cover is always ensured in the pretensioneddirection. As a result, a simple actuation of the extraction openingcover may be achieved.

Advantageously, the extraction opening cover is pretensioned via aspring. This ensures a long-lasting pretensioning with a linear springconstant and at the same time low costs.

According to a preferred development, the table ventilation device hasonly a single drive unit which permits three movements, in particular 1.opening the extraction opening cover which closes the table ventilationdevice when the table ventilation device is switched off; 2. extendingthe vapor deflection device which deflects the extraction of the cookingfumes to the vapor extraction opening and serves as a splash guard; and3. extending the filter elements for removal and for cleaning.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described hereinafter withreference to the figures. In this case schematically:

FIG. 1: shows a table ventilation device according to the invention in across-sectional view according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B: show detailed views of a latching mechanism for atable ventilation device according to the invention according to thefirst embodiment as a cross-sectional view of two operating states;

FIGS. 3A to 3F: show detailed views of a latching mechanism for a tableventilation device according to the invention according to the firstembodiment as a perspective view of six different operating states;

FIGS. 4A to 4E show the table ventilation device according to theinvention according to the first embodiment as a cross-sectional view offive different operating states;

FIGS. 5A to 5E: show the table ventilation device according to theinvention according to a second embodiment as a cross-sectional view offive different operating states;

FIGS. 6A to 6E: show the table ventilation device according to theinvention according to the second embodiment as a cross-sectional viewof five different operating states, showing the positions of a passivelatching element in the respective operating states;

FIGS. 7A to 7F: show the table ventilation device according to theinvention according to a third embodiment as a cross-sectional view ofsix different operating states; and

FIGS. 8A to 8C: show the table ventilation device according to theinvention according to the third embodiment as a cross-sectional view ofdifferent operating states, showing the positions of a decoupling andlocking mechanism in three exemplary operating states.

In FIG. 1 a simplified cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of thetable ventilation device is shown. The table ventilation device has avapor extraction opening 14 which in the embodiment shown forms theupper end of the table ventilation device 10. The vapor extractionopening 14 preferably extends in the width direction of a hob, notshown, behind the rear edge of the hob. Preferably, the width of thevapor extraction opening 14 corresponds to the width of the hob. Thehousing 69 of the table ventilation device 20 extends downwardly fromthe vapor extraction opening 14.

The fan 18 is provided in the housing 69 in the lower region. A vapordeflection device 16 and a filter module 20 are provided in the upperregion of the housing 69 in the embodiment shown. The vapor deflectiondevice 16 has in the embodiment shown a vapor guide plate 34 whichextends in the width direction of the table ventilation device 10 andpreferably is a glass plate. The vapor guide plate 34 is located in therear region of the table ventilation device 10, in particular adjacentto the rear edge of the vapor extraction opening 14. The vapor guideplate 34 is located in the vertical direction. The vapor guide plate 34in the embodiment shown is held by a vapor guide plate holder 32.Preferably, the vapor guide plate 34 is held on the lateral edge thereofby the vapor guide plate holder 32. A filter module 20 is arrangedadjacent to the vapor deflection device 16, in particular offset to thefront. The filter module 20 also extends in the width direction of thetable ventilation device 10 and is arranged parallel to the vapor guideplate 34. The filter module 20 has in the embodiment shown two filters,in particular a grease filter 30 and an odor filter 26. The greasefilter 30 is arranged in the filter module 20 above the odor filter 26.The grease filter 20 may be positioned on the odor filter 26 or may beconnected in a different manner thereto. The filter module 20 has in theembodiment shown a filter module holder 28. In the embodiment shown asealing plane 62, which may also be denoted as a sealing wall, isprovided in the interior of the housing 69. The sealing plane 62 extendsin the horizontal direction and is provided at such a height that theupper edge of the filter module 20, in the state in which the filtermodule 20 is positioned on the sealing plane 62 with the lower edge, inparticular the lower edge of the filter module holder 28, is locatedbelow the vapor extraction opening 14. The extraction opening cover 12is shown in FIG. 1 in the open state in which said extraction openingcover 12 is located in the housing 69, in particular in the front regionof the housing 69 in the vertical direction below the vapor extractionopening 14.

The table ventilation device 10 has a drive unit 22, only a connectingshaft thereof being able to be seen in FIG. 1, said connecting shaftconnecting two drive spindles 48 which are arranged in the lateralregions of the table ventilation device 10. In the embodiment shown, theshaft and thus the drive spindles are driven by a motor 70.

The first embodiment of the invention, which is shown in FIG. 1,provides short drive spindles 48 (only shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1)for an extension means (not visible). Accordingly the drive spindle 48has a length L which corresponds at least to the stroke xW which isrequired in order to move the vapor deflection device 16 from a restingposition WR into the operating position WA shown in FIG. 1. Preferably,in the case of the short working spindles 48, the short lifting paththereof is repeatedly used by a switchable latching hook/couplingmechanism (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) which may be denoted as the latchingmechanism 38 and is described below in more detail. As a result, thefilter module 20 may be moved if required beyond the appliance boundary,in particular beyond the vapor extraction opening 14. In the embodimentshown, the length L of the drive spindles 48 is greater than the strokexW. Thus an end position WM of the vapor deflection device 16 may beachieved by the drive spindle 48.

When actuating the drive unit 22 the filter module 20 and/or the vapordeflection device 16 are moved upwardly via the vapor extraction opening14. In the illustration shown in FIG. 1, the vapor deflection device 16is moved from a resting position WR into an operating position WA by thestroke xW of the vapor deflection device 16.

FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of a latching mechanism 38 in an installedsituation according to the first embodiment of the invention in a firstoperating position. This operating position corresponds to the firstmode, namely the state in which the extension means (not shown) is notindirectly coupled to the filter module 20. The latching mechanism 38 isarranged on the filter module 20. More specifically, the latchingmechanism 38 is arranged on a filter module holder (not shown). Thelatching mechanism 38 comprises a driver element 36, a switching plate40, a carrier plate 42 as well as an upper switching lever 44 and alower switching lever 46. In the variant illustrated, the carrier plate42 is rigidly fastened to the filter module (not shown). The switchingplate 40 is displaceably mounted on the carrier plate 42, and the upperswitching lever 44, the lower switching lever 46 and the driver element36 are pivotably mounted thereon. As a result, a substantiallytrapezoidal suspension is achieved. The switching plate 40 also engagesin the driver element 36 such that a movement of the switching plate 40relative to the carrier plate 42, caused either via the upper switchinglever 44 or the lower switching lever 44, leads to a switching, i.e.activation or deactivation, of the driver element 36.

FIG. 2B shows the latching mechanism 38 according to FIG. 2A in aninstalled situation according to the first embodiment of the inventionin a second operating position. This operating position corresponds tothe second mode, namely the state in which the drive unit (not shown) iscoupled to the filter module indirectly via the vapor deflection device.According to FIG. 2B the upper switching lever 44 is actuated when it isturned. It is only possible to turn the switching lever 44 upwardly,since the switching plate 40 is already in the stop at the bottom. Ifthe vapor deflection device 16 now moves from bottom to top past theupper switching lever 44—along the filter module 20 which is notconnected to the vapor deflection device 16—this switching lever pivotsupwardly and at the same time entrains the switching plate 40 which as aresult switches the driver element 36 into an activated position. Theturning occurs when the vapor deflection device 16 is moved into an endposition WM which may also be denoted as the connecting position WVer.By the turning, the indirect coupling of the extension means 24 to thefilter module 20 is prepared, since a return of the vapor deflectiondevice 16 below the activated driver element 16 produces a stop for thevapor deflection device 16 on the driver element 36 which, with renewedlifting of the vapor deflection device 16, leads to an engagement inwhich the filter module 20 is entrained by the vapor deflection device16. The driver element 36 may at the same time be spring-loaded, so thatin the activated state the traveling over by the vapor deflection device16 pushes this driver element temporarily inwardly and, after the vapordeflection device 16 has passed by, the driver element 36 deflects againin order to provide the stop. Similarly, the driver element 36 may bedeactivated by the vapor deflection device 16 being moved into a lowerextreme position in which said vapor deflection device turns the lowerswitching lever 46. As visible from FIG. 2A, this may be the case onlywhen the driver element 36 is activated and thus the lower switchinglever 46 also correspondingly protrudes from the switching plate 40.

The different switching processes according to the first embodiment areillustrated with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3F. The latching mechanism 38which is switched via a movement of the vapor deflection device 16 isshown. More specifically, the switching takes place in FIGS. 3A to 3Fvia a vapor guide plate holder 32 which moves along the filter module20, i.e. is moved relative thereto.

FIG. 3A shows a state which corresponds to a closed position of thetable ventilation device 10. The vapor deflection device 16 is locatedwith the stroke xW=0 in the resting position WR of the vapor deflectiondevice 16. In this position the lower switching lever 46 must bedeactivated forcibly, since the vapor deflection device 16 is directlyadjacent to this lower switching lever. As a result, the driver element36 is in a deactivated position and the upper switching lever 44 is inan activated position, i.e. deflected position.

FIG. 3B shows the vapor deflection device 16 in an operating position WAwhich is located just below the upper switching lever 44. Only when thevapor deflection device 16 is moved further upwardly above thisoperating position and thus into a maximum position, FIG. 3C, is theupper switching lever 44 turned and as a result the driver element 36 isactivated via the switching plate 40. In this state of the connectingposition WVer, which in this case also represents an end position WM ofthe vapor deflection device 16, the indirect coupling of the extensionmeans (not shown) to the filter module 20 is prepared. This means thatwith a further movement of the vapor deflection device 16 this willcause an indirect coupling of the filter module 20 to the extensionmeans. As a result, the drive unit 22 is switched from a first mode intoa second mode.

The connection of the filter module 20 to the vapor deflection device 16takes place in a manner which is offset spatially and chronologically,namely when the vapor deflection device 16 initially travels over thepretensioned activated driver element 36 as illustrated in FIG. 3D, thenmoves below said driver element, as illustrated in FIG. 3E and thencomes into engagement therewith, as illustrated in FIG. 3E.

As a result, starting from this state a lifting of the vapor deflectiondevice 16 leads to the filter module 20 being entrained by the vapordeflection device 16. In order to return to the starting point, asillustrated in FIG. 3A, the vapor deflection device 16 only has to bemoved back into the resting position WR according to FIG. 3A.

In the event that the connection has been inadvertently prepared, namelyby an inadvertent movement of the vapor deflection device 16 into theconnecting position WVer, the prepared coupling may be reversed byreturning the vapor deflection device 16 into the resting position WR.

Examples of stroke heights of the extension means are specified in Table1:

TABLE 1 Position of Stroke Upper Lower vapor deflection height switchingswitching See device [mm] lever Driver element lever FIG. Restingposition 0 activated deactivated deactivated 3A WR Operating 200activated deactivated deactivated 3B position WA Connecting 265deactivated activated activated 3C position WVer Travel over 100deactivated activated (temporarily activated 3D activated driverdeactivated against element spring pretensioning) Travel below 80deactivated activated activated 3E driver element Coupling of 90deactivated activated activated 3F driver element Filter removal 265deactivated activated activated 3F position FE

In the example shown in Table 1, the filter module holder may be movedupwardly by 175 mm. All of the specified lengths are to be understood tobe purely by way of example and are not intended to be understood aslimiting the invention thereto.

FIGS. 4A to 4E illustrate the aforementioned operating states of thefirst embodiment of the table ventilation device 10 in combination withthe switching positions of the extraction opening cover 12. In theresting position WR according to FIG. 4A the extraction opening cover 12is located in the horizontal direction and fully covers the vaporextraction opening 14. The filter module 20 is positioned on a sealingplane 62. After switching on the table ventilation device 10 the vapordeflection device 16 moves upwardly, driven by the drive unit 22. Thedrive unit 22 in this case is connected to a movement device 58, onlythe bearing point thereof being illustrated schematically in FIGS. 4A to4E. The bearing point of the movement device 58 is moved downwardly bythe drive unit 22. The connection between the drive unit and themovement device 58 may be provided, for example, via a pin guided in arail and a spring which is connected to the pin. The components of thisconnection and the movement device 58 are not shown in FIGS. 4A to 4E.By the bearing point being displaced downwardly, the extraction openingcover 12 pivots from the horizontal direction into an inclined positionin which the front end of the extraction opening cover 12 is locatedbelow the plane of the vapor extraction opening 14. The filter module 20is located as before on the sealing plane 62. This state shown in FIG.4B corresponds to an exemplary stroke x<75 mm of a drive spindle nut(not illustrated). FIG. 4C shows the vapor deflection device 16 in theconnecting position WVer with a height of, for example, 265 mm. By thefurther extension, the bearing point of the movement device 58 is movedfurther downwardly. The extraction opening cover 12 is fully opened inthis position and located in the vertical direction in the interior ofthe housing 69. Subsequently, in this position the driver element, notillustrated, is activated. As before, the filter module 20 is located onthe sealing plane 62. In FIG. 4D the vapor deflection device 16 islocated in a position below the activated driver element 36 (see FIG.3E) shortly before the coupling between the drive unit 22 and the filtermodule 20. Up to the point of coupling, namely when the vapor deflectiondevice 16 has a stroke x of for example 90 mm, the filter module 20 islocated on the sealing plane 62. If the vapor deflection device 16 ismoved further upwardly from the position shown in FIG. 3D, the vaporguide plate holder 32 comes into engagement with the driver element 36which is pivoted out as shown in FIG. 3F, and as a result pulls thefilter module 20 upwardly therewith. FIG. 4E shows the filter module 20in a filter module removal position FE.

In the first embodiment which has been described, the latching mechanism38 is arranged on the filter module 20 and may be entrained via a driverelement 36 by the vapor deflection device 16. Alternatively, however,the latching mechanism 38 may also be arranged on the vapor deflectiondevice 16 and entrain the filter module 16 via a driver element 36. Thelatching mechanism 38 may be configured to be approximately the same forboth alternatives.

FIGS. 5A to 5E and 6A to 6E disclose a second embodiment of the tableventilation device 10 according to the invention. According to thisembodiment—as in the first embodiment—a short drive spindle (notillustrated) is provided. The connection of the filter module 20 to thevapor deflection device 16, however, does not take place via a latchingmechanism 38 according to the first embodiment but via a passivelatching element 66 (see FIG. 6A to 6E) which permits a mechanicallatching or hooking of the vapor deflection device 16 to the filtermodule 20. In FIGS. 6A to E the movement of the passive latching element66 is shown schematically adjacent to the table ventilation device 10.The passive latching element 66 is a driver element which is provided onthe vapor deflection device 16. From a latching element initial positionRA, the passive latching element 66 may be guided in a sliding guide,and an extension movement of the vapor deflection device 16 followswithout having to couple the filter module 20 to the extension means 24.The latching element 66 is latched in the filter module 20 only when thevapor deflection device 16 is partially retracted and extended again.The latching element 66 in this case is clamped to the filter module 20and entrains said filter module therewith.

As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5E, different operating states are possible. Inthe resting position WR of the vapor deflection device 16 according toFIG. 5A the extraction opening cover 12 is closed. In addition to theuse of a passive latching element 66, the second embodiment of the tableventilation device 10 differs from the first embodiment in that thefilter module 20 is arranged in a filter module operating position FAinside a filter slot 68. The filter slot 68 serves for guiding the airthrough the filter module 20. In a second operating position accordingto FIG. 5B, the vapor deflection device 16 is located in an operatingposition WA at a stroke height of, for example, 235 mm. The filtermodule 20 is, in this case as before, in its initial position, thefilter module operating position FA. The extraction opening cover 12 isopen in this operating state. According to a third operating stateillustrated in FIG. 5C, the vapor deflection device 16 is fully extendedto a stroke height of, for example, 265 mm. At the same time, the filtermodule 20 is lifted sufficiently far that it terminates flush with anupper face of the table ventilation device 10, in particular the vaporextraction opening 14. In a fourth operating state according to FIG. 5D,the vapor deflection device 16 is in a partially lowered position and islatched via the passive latching element 66 in the filter module 20. Thepartially lowered position may correspond, in particular, to a strokeheight of 80 mm. FIG. 5E shows a fifth operating state. In thisoperating state the filter module 20 is in a filter removal position FE.The stroke height corresponds, for example, to 265 mm. As a result ofthe strokes x cited by way of example, the filter element 20 accordingto the second embodiment may be lifted, for example, by up to 155 mm.

In FIGS. 6A to 6E the operating states according to FIGS. 5A to 5E areillustrated in connection with the passive latching element 66. UsingFIGS. 6A and 6B it may be seen that in normal operation of the tableventilation device 10 during the lowering of the vapor deflection device16 the passive latching element 66 is moved along the filter module 20with the movement direction of the vapor deflection device 16. At thelowest point, the passive latching element 66 is tilted in a directionaway from the filter module 20. The third operating state according toFIG. 5C and FIG. 6C is reached in that, from a stroke height of a strokex˜235 mm, the passive latching element 66 is tilted when moved upwardlyin the direction of the filter element 20, whereby the filter module 20is clamped to the passive latching element 66. When moved downwardly,below the stroke height of a stroke x˜235 mm, the filter module 20 isagain in its filter module operating position FA, whereby the clampingis released. When the vapor deflection device 16 is moved downwardly,the filter module 20 may be coupled to the drive unit 22 with any strokex, whereby the drive unit 22 is switched from a first mode into a secondmode. This coupling takes place by stopping and extending the vapordeflection device 16 again, whereby the vapor deflection device 16 isclamped with the filter module 20 and said filter module is entrainedupwardly by the vapor deflection device 16, as illustrated in FIGS. 6Dand 6E.

FIGS. 7A to 7F and 8A to 8C disclose a third embodiment of the tableventilation device 10 according to the invention. The table ventilationdevice 10 according to the third embodiment has a drive spindle 48, thelength L thereof being sufficient in order to move both the vapordeflection device 16 and the filter module 20. The coupling for thesecond mode takes place according to the third embodiment after atransmitting element, which is also denoted as changeover switch 50, haschanged its position. In general terms, the changeover switch 50 issuitable for changing over the force transmitting element from theextension means 24 such that the filter module 20 is driven or extendedinstead of the vapor deflection device 16. As a result, a tractive driveis no longer present, but rather a direct drive of the filter module 20via the extension means 24 of the drive unit 22.

FIG. 8A shows the table ventilation device 10 in an extended state. Inthis state the vapor deflection device 16 is in a resting position WRand the filter module 20 is in a filter module operating position FA.The drive unit 22 drives the vapor deflection device 16 via theextension means 24 and the changeover switch 50, as soon as the tableventilation device 10 transfers to an operating state, namely asillustrated in FIG. 7B. The force transmitting element in this casetakes place via the drive spindle 48 which in turn drives the changeoverswitch 50 and the vapor deflection device 16 via a drive spindle nut 64.The changeover switch 50 in this case is arranged inside a guide 52. Thefilter module 20 has a filter cross member 60. A grease filter 30 isarranged above the filter cross member 60 in the direction of the vaporextraction opening 14. The odor filter 26 is arranged below the filtercross member 60. The drive spindle 48 drives the drive spindle nut 64and the changeover switch 50 until the changeover switch 50 reaches aninterruption 54 of the guide 52 in the extension direction and pivots tothe side into the interruption 54. This lateral pivoting-out is achievedin the example shown by an eccentric mounting of the changeover switch50 inside the guide 52.

The force equilibrium on the changeover switch 50 may be illustrated asfollows. A vertical force from the drive spindle nut 64 acts at thebottom on the changeover switch 50. Since the changeover switch 50 iseccentrically mounted in the guide 52, the vertical force from the drivespindle nut 64 brings about a torque on the changeover switch 50, whichbrings this into contact with the guide 52. A lateral force is generatedvia the contact with the guide 52, which prevents a pivoting of thechangeover switch 50. As soon as the contact is present between thechangeover switch 50 and the guide 52, the force equilibrium results ina vertical displacement or stroke change, since the changeover switch 50is mounted in the guide 52 in a vertically-adjustable manner. If thelateral force disappears, namely at an interruption 54 of the guide 52,then the torque on the changeover switch 50 causes the changeover switchto pivot out.

The components which are essential for the changeover, namely thechangeover switch 50, the guide 52 and the interruption 54, are definedin their entirety as the decoupling and locking mechanism 70. Thedecoupling and locking mechanism is designed such that, when thechangeover switch is pivoted out, a path is released for the drivespindle nut 64 and at the same time the vapor deflection device 16 isblocked. The locking mechanism 70 is also designed such that a return ofthe drive spindle nut 64 below the interruption 54 causes the changeoverswitch 50 to pivot out.

The coupling for the second mode takes place when the changeover switch50 is pivoted out when it reaches an interruption 54 of the guide 52,and at the same time forms a stop 56 for the vapor deflection device 16,thereby blocking said vapor deflection device and releasing a path inthe guide 52 for the extension means 24. By releasing the path for theextension means 24, in the exemplary embodiment shown the drive spindlenut 64 may strike against the filter cross member 60 and thus extend thefilter module 20, see FIGS. 7E and 7F.

In other words, a possibility which provides a longer drive spindle 48with a decoupling and locking mechanism 70 is provided thereby to movethe filter module 20, in particular the filter cassette, out of thevapor extraction opening 14 of the table ventilation device 10. In thiscase, the vapor deflection device 16, in particular the glass pane, isdecoupled in its upper end position from the drive unit 22 and at thesame time locked so that for the additional path only the filter module20, in particular the filter cassette, is moved.

In an embodiment not illustrated, the filter module may provide a filterreceiver in a separate cross member. In particular, the grease filter 30with the oil pan and the active carbon filter (odor filter 26) may bereceived by a respectively separate cross member. In this case, thereceiving cross member may be guided in the side parts, so that thefilter modules may be moved flexibly in the vertical direction.Alternatively or additionally, cross members for a glass pane or lightdiffuser may be decoupled. The glass receiving cross member in this caseis guided in the side parts.

Irrespective of the embodiments cited above, the individual elements i)extraction opening cover 12; ii) vapor deflection device 16, inparticular vapor guide plate holder 32 or the vapor guide plate 34; andiii) filter module 20 may be mechanically coupled.

In this case, the extraction opening cover 12 may be opened via aspring. For closing the extraction opening cover 12, for example, theglass pane may be lowered and the extraction opening cover 12 closedagainst the spring force via a cover driver element. The glass pane inthis case may be positioned either only by its inherent weight on thevapor guide plate holder, which may also be denoted as the glass panedriver element of the drive spindle, or is mechanically fixedlyconnected thereto in the lifting direction so that the glass pane alwaysmoves together with the glass pane driver element. The filter module 20is positioned, for example, only by the inherent weight thereof andseparately guided in the table ventilation device 10, and is lifted ifrequired by mechanically switchable coupling elements by the driverelement of the drive spindle or by suitable force transmitting elementvia the vapor guide plate holder 32, in particular the glass panereceiver. If the vapor deflection device 16 is lowered, the drive unit22 may hold the extraction opening cover 12 closed against a springforce. Thus when the vapor deflection device 16 is extended, theextraction opening cover 12 may be opened by the spring force.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   F_(A) Filter module operating position-   F_(E) Filter module removal position-   L Length-   R_(A) Latching element initial position-   S Direction of flow-   W_(A) Operating position of vapor deflection device-   W_(M) End position of vapor deflection device-   W_(R) Resting position of vapor deflection device-   W_(ver) Connecting position-   x Stroke-   x_(W) Stroke of vapor deflection device-   10 Table ventilation device-   12 Extraction opening cover-   14 Vapor extraction opening-   16 Vapor deflection device-   18 Fan-   20 Filter module-   22 Drive unit-   24 Extension means-   26 Odor filter-   28 Filter module holder-   30 Grease filter-   32 Vapor guide plate holder-   34 Vapor guide plate-   36 Driver element-   38 Latching mechanism-   40 Switching plate-   42 Carrier plate-   44 Upper switching lever-   46 Lower switching lever-   48 Drive spindle-   50 Changeover switch-   52 Guide-   54 Interruption-   56 Stop-   58 Movement device-   60 Filter cross member-   62 Sealing plane-   64 Drive spindle nut-   66 Passive latching element-   68 Filter slot-   69 Housing-   70 Motor

1.-14. (canceled)
 15. A table ventilation device, comprising: a filtermodule; an extension means; and a drive unit for motorized retractionand extension of the extension means, said drive unit being designed tomove the filter module from a filter module operating position into afilter module removal position.
 16. The table ventilation device ofclaim 15, further comprising a filter module holder for releasablearrangement of the filter module as a whole and/or in parts.
 17. Thetable ventilation device of claim 15, wherein the filter module includesa grease filter.
 18. The table ventilation device of claim 17, whereinthe filter module additionally includes an odor filter.
 19. The tableventilation device of claim 15, further comprising a vapor deflectiondevice movable by the extension means from a resting position into anoperating position, said vapor deflection device comprising a vaporguide plate holder and a vapor guide plate which is arranged on thevapor guide plate holder.
 20. The table ventilation device of claim 19,wherein the vapor guide plate is a glass plate.
 21. The tableventilation device of claim 15, wherein the filter module is moveddirectly via the extension means or indirectly via an intermediateelement.
 22. The table ventilation device of claim 21, wherein theintermediate element is a vapor deflection device which is movable bythe extension means from a resting position into an operating position.23. The table ventilation device of claim 19, wherein the filter moduleis moved at least temporarily and the vapor deflection device is movedat least temporarily via the extension means.
 24. The table ventilationdevice of claim 23, wherein both the filter module and the vapordeflection device are moved at least temporarily at a same time via theextension means.
 25. The table ventilation device of claim 15, whereinthe drive unit includes a first mode in which the filter module isdecoupled from the extension means and a second mode in which the filtermodule is coupled to the extension means.
 26. The table ventilationdevice of claim 19, further comprising a switchable driver element viawhich the filter module is temporarily connected to the vapor deflectiondevice.
 27. The table ventilation device of claim 26, wherein the filtermodule is connected or at least prepared for connection to the vapordeflection device when reaching a connecting position of the vapordeflection device.
 28. The table ventilation device of claim 27, whereinthe connecting position corresponds to an end position of the vapordeflection device.
 29. The table ventilation device of claim 26, furthercomprising a latching mechanism arranged on the filter module forconnecting the vapor deflection device to the filter module, saidlatching mechanism comprising the driver element, a switching plate, anupper switching lever and a lower switching lever, wherein the upperswitching lever and the lower switching lever are arranged on theswitching plate such that the driver element is activated when the upperswitching lever is turned by the vapor deflection device and the driverelement is deactivated when the lower switching lever is turned by thevapor deflection device.
 30. The table ventilation device of claim 19,wherein the drive unit comprises a drive spindle on which the extensionmeans is movably fastened, said drive spindle having a length whichcorresponds to a stroke required to move the vapor deflection devicefrom the resting position into the operating position.
 31. The tableventilation device of claim 25, wherein the drive unit comprises atransmitting element which is movably mounted, wherein the filter moduleis coupled to the extension means in the second mode of the drive unitafter the transmitting element has been moved out of a movement path ofthe extension means.
 32. The table ventilation device of claim 31,wherein the transmitting element is designed to block the vapordeflection device and to release the extension means for moving thefilter module, when the transmitting element assumes a position out ofthe movement path.
 33. The table ventilation device of claim 31, furthercomprising a guide, said transmitting element being mounted in the guidesuch that the transmitting element pivots out when an interruption ofthe guide is reached and at the same time forms a stop for the vapordeflection device.
 34. The table ventilation device of claim 15, furthercomprising an extraction opening cover which is located below a vaporextraction opening and pivotable by the extension means from a verticalopen position in which the extraction opening cover is moved uponextension of the extension means, to a horizontal closed position inwhich the vapor extraction opening is covered and the table ventilationdevice is switched-off, said extraction opening cover beingpretensioned.